Solar Energy and Atmospheric Interactions

The video tutorial explains the short wave radiation budget, starting with 100 units of solar energy. It details how 31% of this energy is reflected back to space, contributing to Earth's albedo. The remaining 69% is absorbed, with 24% absorbed by the atmosphere and 45% by Earth's surface. The tutorial also explains the scattering of light that causes the blue sky.

What is the initial amount of solar energy considered in the short wave radiation budget?

• 100 parts

• 50 parts

• 150 parts

• 75 parts

What percentage of solar energy is reflected back to space from cloud tops?

• 10%

• 21%

• 30%

• 40%

What is Earth's albedo as a result of the reflected solar energy?

• 0.21

• 0.31

• 0.41

• 0.51

How much of the solar energy is absorbed by the stratosphere?

• 7%

• 5%

• 3%

• 1%

What percentage of solar energy is absorbed by the rest of the atmosphere or by dust?

• 18%

• 20%

• 15%

• 10%

How much of the solar energy is absorbed by Earth's surface?

• 30%

• 25%

• 20%

• 15%

What is the percentage of diffuse radiation that reaches the Earth's surface?

• 10%

• 15%

• 20%

• 25%

How much of the initial solar energy is left after accounting for reflection and absorption?

• 65 parts

• 55 parts

• 45 parts

• 75 parts

What causes the sky to appear blue?

• Absorption of red light

• Reflection of green light

• Scattering of blue light

• Absorption of yellow light